Huntington, NY Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

L. No. 15-2010, Chapter 124 sets minimum habitability standards for every residential structure in the Town of Huntington. Section 124-54 makes it unlawful to occupy, lease, sublease, rent or hire out any structure, dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit that is unfit for human occupancy or habitation, or is unlawful. Article III backs that duty with concrete maintenance standards: Section 124-14 requires exterior walls, foundations, roofs, windows, doors and basement hatchways be kept free of holes, rot, rust and water intrusion, while Section 124-15 requires the same upkeep for interior structural members, surfaces, stairs and doors.

Section 124-13 deems the failure, neglect or refusal to meet any one of these standards a chapter violation. Enforcement runs through the Town's Code Officer. Section 124-56 authorizes the Code Officer, or a consultant the town retains, to inspect a dwelling unit whenever it may be dangerous or unlawful, generally with the owner's or occupant's consent absent an emergency or warrant. If an inspection turns up any of the seven conditions in Section 124-55, unsafe equipment, missing sanitation or ventilation, decay, overcrowding or any other condition the Code Officer finds dangerous, the unit can be formally designated unfit.

Sections 124-57 through 124-59 set out the notice of intent, final order and hearing on appeal, before the Huntington Town Board or an Administrative Hearing Officer, that follow a condemnation. Section 124-61 lets the Code Officer immediately placard and vacate a structure in a true emergency, with written notice to the owner and occupants within 48 hours.